Risk of prostate cancer recurrence

Doctors may classify prostate cancer into groups based on the risk of the cancer coming back (recurring) after treatment. They use these risk levels to help them develop treatment plans. Men in the high-risk group are usually offered aggressive treatment. Those in the low-risk group may be offered active surveillance without immediate treatment.

Treatment that uses regular and frequent tests to closely watch a slow-growing cancer. The goal of active surveillance is to help keep a good quality of life while delaying other treatments that can cause side effects for as long as possible. When test results show that the cancer is getting worse, treatments such as surgery or chemotherapy are offered.